Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has rejected Lebanon’s so-called Framework Agreement with Israel. He described it as a surrender of Lebanese sovereignty and called for continued resistance.
Qassem made the remarks in a televised speech on Friday. He spoke on the anniversary of what Hezbollah calls the Divine Victory over Israel in the 2006 war.
According to Qassem, Israel has repeatedly used pretexts to launch wars against Lebanon. He also accused the United States of supporting Israel during the conflict.
Qassem Criticizes the Framework Agreement
Qassem said the Lebanese authority should reconsider the Framework Agreement.
He claimed that the document gives Israel what it wants while weakening Lebanon’s sovereignty. He also criticized the direct negotiations involved in the process.
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The Hezbollah leader called on Lebanese authorities to admit what he described as failures in the negotiations. He urged them to return to a unified national position.
Qassem also called for the use of political and national tools to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Hezbollah Rejects Surrender
Qassem said Hezbollah would not accept what he described as surrender.
He stressed that the group would remain steadfast despite the difficulties facing Lebanon. He also rejected any violation of Lebanese sovereignty.
According to Qassem, Hezbollah considers its resistance defensive. He said the group accepts a ceasefire because it sees itself as responding to aggression.
However, he added that Hezbollah would not surrender even if the costs remained high.
Call for Greater Focus on Southern Lebanon
Qassem said southern Lebanon should remain a central national issue.
He called for support for displaced residents and assistance with shelter, aid and reconstruction. He also said the Lebanese state has the primary responsibility to address these needs.
Qassem said Hezbollah would continue to provide assistance and cooperate in relief efforts. However, he stressed that the state must fulfill its responsibilities.
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Qassem Praises Resistance Supporters
The Hezbollah leader praised families and supporters who, according to him, had made sacrifices during the conflict.
He also addressed Hezbollah fighters and praised their role in what he described as a struggle for liberation and independence.
Qassem thanked political parties, groups and religious communities that oppose occupation and aggression. He also praised social solidarity efforts to help people affected by the conflict.
Hezbollah Leader Recalls the 2006 War
Qassem also reflected on the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.
He said the conflict became a major historical turning point for Lebanon and the region. According to him, the war followed the failure of diplomatic and political efforts to secure the release of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel.
Qassem argued that the conflict strengthened Hezbollah’s deterrence against Israel.
He said the group viewed the war as part of its effort to change the regional balance of power. He also credited the resistance, the Lebanese people and the army for confronting Israel.
Qassem Calls for Continued Political Efforts
Qassem said Lebanon’s current challenges require political will and a unified national position.
He argued that continued negotiations without meaningful progress could further weaken Lebanon’s position.
At the same time, he called for support for displaced people and reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon.
Qassem also pledged that Hezbollah would continue efforts to secure the release of prisoners.
He said the group would remain committed to what it considers the path of resistance and would continue to confront what it described as Israeli aggression.
